Incredible Northern Yunnan

Incredible Northern Yunnan

BREATHTAKING YUNNAN PROVINCE

Yunnan means “south of the clouds” and you will discover why as you explore the misty mountains, gaping gorges, and colorful cultures of Northern Yunnan. Located on the threshold of the Himalayas, visitors are treated to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. For centuries this rugged terrain shielded local people from the Han dominated empires of China’s past, resulting in a host of vibrant ethnic minority groups, each with its own language, cuisine, distinctive form of dress, festivals, and belief systems.

*Note: The above video actually portrays hiking through the Tiger Leaping Gorge. While the rest of the video is accurate, this particular itinerary does not hike through the gorge but we can easily add one to two days onto the tour and we can help you trek through this amazing scenery if you want to experience it by foot!

CULTURAL IMMERSION

Our adventure will have participants immersed in stunning terrain while interacting with the area’s local communities. Each day, travelers will have the opportunity to participate in carefully designed activities that are sure to bring new challenges, new flavors, new stories, and new friends. From the expansive views of Tiger Leaping Gorge to the friendly villagers around the picturesque Shaxi Valley, participants are sure to experience China like never before and take home a new, unique perspective of the Middle Kingdom.

TIBETAN BUDDHISM IN YUNNAN

Probably the most striking feature of Yunnan’s culture is its diversity. With over 20 different ethnic groups, each with their own traditions, customs, and languages, it is sometimes impossible to pin Yunnanese culture down with broad generalizations. Yunnan’s diversity makes it unique, and the Yunnanese are quite proud of this fact. While Yunnan is diverse, the hub of traditional Tibetan culture is located in Shangri-La. Here you can spend hours roaming through monasteries and watching monks meditate to the slow, melodic flicker of yak butter candles.

Tour Details

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Tour Dates

Please inquire

Brief Itinerary

Day 1- Arrive in Lijiang, Yunnan

Day 2 - Drive to Shaxi Village

Day 3 - Return to Lijiang, explore Baisha and/or Shuhe Old Town

Day 4 - Drive to Shangri-La via Tiger Leaping Gorge

Day 5 - Explore Shangri-La, Ganden Songzanlin Monastery

Day 6 - Pristine Lakes and Pudacuo National Park and forest

Day 7- Depart Shangri-La, drive to Lijiang

Day 8 - Fly out of Lijiang

Photo Gallery

Tour Highlights

SHUHE OLD TOWN IN LIJIANG

Once a major stop on the former Tea Horse Road, Lijiang is teeming with beautiful landscapes, deep history, and rich Naxi culture.Our adventure begins with an exciting walk through the narrow streets and winding canals of Shuhe Old Town in Lijiang. This place is the very definition of romantic.

TIBETAN NOMADIC CULTURE + LIFESTYLE

Our program takes participants through the remote regions of Amdo Tibet into the high grasslands and monasteries that are the heartbeat of Tibetan nomadic culture. Eat a cup of tart yak yoghurt, walk under the tall golden spires of monastery halls and giant Buddhas, and trek through rugged mountains to discover how nomads have kept their ways alive for centuries in the midst of an often unforgiving high-altitude environment. With the opportunity to stay with nomads, we’ll have insight into their daily routines and learn to appreciate the richness of their culture.

TIGER LEAPING GORGE

Tiger Leaping Gorge, set to the backdrop of the majestic Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains of China, is one of the deepest gorges in the world.The Jingsha River flows through its beautiful 16km length, nestled between towering cliffs that have an incredible 3,900 meters in vertical drop from the top of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the surging river below.At its narrowest point near the mouth of the river, a large rock sits midway across the water.According to a local legend, a hunter was chasing a tiger down through the gorge and the tiger jumped across this chasm to this rock to escape the hunter’s arrows.

Reviews & Testimonials

I absolutely loved the trip to Qinghai Lake. It was supposed to be me, my wife and our 15mth old son but was wife was ill so I ended up going without her. It was my first time going out all day with my son without my wife and I was a little unsure how it would go. It ended up being an amazing day and Ben was amazing, happy to ‘go with the flow’ and spend the day in a way that best suited my son. My little boy absolutely loved playing in the wide-open spaces, playing with the locals and we even went on a fun speed boat. We had a great little picnic on the beach, with a breathtaking view of the lake. Although I can speak some Chinese, it was super relaxing not having to worry about anything as Ben did all the hard work and I simply got to relax and enjoy the day with my son. I cannot recommend Elevated Trips enough!